System and method for entry and display of blueprint data

ABSTRACT

A handheld device with a graphical user interface (GUI) for entering and displaying blueprint data as a hierarchical sequence of segments. A handheld device having a touchscreen and/or keys is used to sequentially enter line segments and arcs to enter blueprint data into the device. Each line segment or arc that is entered may be referenced to an existing endpoint or start point of a previously entered line segment or arc. A blueprint entered into the handheld device may be edited by modifying, deleting, or inserting a line segment or arc. When an edit is performed, the line segments and arcs in the sequence that follow the element being edited may be automatically modified to maintain continuity in the blueprint without disturbing prior segments in the sequence.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present claimed invention relates to the field of portable electronic instruments More particularly, the present claimed invention relates to a method for blueprint data entry and display using a handheld device.

BACKGROUND ART

Blueprints have long been used to provide information for use at a construction site. Prior to the advent of portable electronic calculators and instruments, the use of the blueprint information in the field typically involved hand calculations and reference tables, and the information was only available as hard copy on a job site.

The adoption of handheld calculators and electronic surveying instruments has provided an electronic storage medium for information that has augmented the traditional blueprint. In using a combination of electronic and hard copy information sources, there is frequently a requirement for transferring information from one medium to the other.

The transfer of electronic information to hard copy can be achieved by simply formatting and printing out the information stored in the electronic medium. This process requires minimal effort on the part of a human user. However, the transfer of information in blueprint to an electronic instrument requires more effort, particularly if the electronic instrument is a handheld device. The size of a handheld device generally limits the input/output (I/O) capability of the device.

The overhead involved in data entry for a handheld device may be increased significantly when corrections or edits must be made. For example, a blueprint entered as a series of line segments may require many line segments in the series to be re-entered or corrected if an early line segment in the series was incorrect and subsequent entries were made relative to the incorrect entry.

Thus a need exists for a system and method that provides efficient transfer of blueprint information to a device having a limited I/O capability, such as a handheld device. There is also a need for a device that provides for efficient editing and correction of data entry.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Accordingly, the present invention provides a system and method for efficiently entering blueprint data into a handheld device. Efficient correction and editing of entered blueprint data is also provided.

In an embodiment of the invention, a handheld device comprising a touchscreen and/or keys is used to sequentially enter line segments and arcs to enter blueprint data into the device. Each line segment or arc that is entered may be referenced to an existing endpoint or start point of a previously entered line segment or arc. A single line segment may be repeated without re-entering its parameters. Similarly, an arc may be subdivided into multiple arcs of uniform length without entering parameters for each arc segment.

In a further embodiment of the invention, a blueprint entered into the handheld device may be edited by modifying, deleting, or inserting a line segment or arc. When an edit is performed, the line segments and arcs in the sequence that follow the element being edited may be automatically modified to maintain continuity in the blueprint.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention:

FIG. 1 shows an example of a handheld device that may be used for blueprint data entry in accordance with an embodiment of the present claimed invention.

FIG. 2A shows an initial line segment entry display in accordance with an embodiment of the present claimed invention.

FIG. 2B shows a partially completed blueprint data entry in accordance with an embodiment of the present claimed invention.

FIG. 2C shows a continued blueprint data entry in accordance with an embodiment of the present claimed invention.

FIG. 2D shows a nearly complete blueprint data entry in accordance with an embodiment of the present claimed invention.

FIG. 3A shows an edit menu display in accordance with an embodiment of the present claimed invention.

FIG. 3B shows an edit selection in accordance with an embodiment of the present claimed invention.

FIG. 3C shows a completed edit with automatic segment modification in accordance with an embodiment of the present claimed invention.

FIG. 4A shows a partial blueprint data entry including an arc in accordance with an embodiment of the present claimed invention.

FIG. 4B shows a graphical user interface with data input fields for arc subdivision in accordance with an embodiment of the present claimed invention.

FIG. 4C shows the graphical user interface of FIG. 4B with an arc subdivided in accordance with an embodiment of the present claimed invention.

FIG. 5 shows a display for text-based editing of line segments in accordance with an embodiment of the present claimed invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the invention will be described in conjunction with the preferred embodiments, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the invention to these embodiments. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications and equivalents, which may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, in the following detailed description of the present invention, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances well known methods, procedures, user interfaces, and drafting conventions have not been described in detail as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 1 shows an example of a handheld device 100 that may be used for blueprint data entry in accordance with an embodiment of the present claimed invention. The handheld device 100 includes a display 105 and a keypad 110.

The display 105 is used to display text and graphics images for a user. The display 105 may provide icons or menus that may be selected by using the keypad 110. Alternatively, the display 105 may be a touchscreen that allows a user to perform data entry and other operations without requiring the keypad 110. The keypad 110 may be used for display control and the selection and execution of functions represent on the display 105.

The handheld device 100 includes a data processor and memory for accepting, storing, displaying, and editing entered blueprint data. A blueprint plan is entered as a sequence of line segments and/or arcs. The position of arcs and segments in the sequence may be used to determine the action taken with respect to unedited arcs or line segments when a selected arc or line segment is edited, inserted, or deleted.

FIG. 2A shows an example of graphical user interface (GUI) that may be displayed on the display 105. In the discussion that follows, reference will be made to the entry of data into GUI fields and to the selection and execution of functions associated with visual objects presented on the GUI 200. It is appreciated that direct selection with a stylus on the GUI 200 and/or selection of a field or icon on the GUI 200 through keystrokes may be used. A stylus on a touchscreen or keystrokes may also be used in conjunction with an intermediate transient display such as a soft keyboard, in order to perform data entry for a GUI field.

A data display area 205 is shown with an initial start point 1 and a scale bar 206. GUI 200 includes a line start point field 210, a horizontal distance field 215, and a repeat field 225. In entering a line segment, a user enters a start point, a length, a direction, and a repeat factor in the appropriate fields. After entering the line segment parameters the line segment may be entered by using the enter button 228.

In the example of FIG. 2A, the start point for a first line segment is shown with a default value of 1. A length of 18 m, a direction of 0.0 degrees, and a repeat factor of 3 are shown entered in fields 210, 215, and 225, respectively. A dropdown menu indicated by an arrow on the right of fields 210, 215, and 225 may be used to select values from a list.

FIG. 2B shows a GUI 201 that is displayed in response to the data entry associated with FIG. 2A, and an additional line segment entry. The line segment entry of FIG. 2A produces three sequential line segments, with the start point of each succeeding line segment being the end point of the previous line segment. In general, a start point of a new line segment may be selected from existing start points or end points. A start point may be entered by tapping a touchscreen display, selecting from a dropdown menu, or by manual entry (e.g., soft keyboard). The start point of a new segment may set to default to the end point of the last placed segment.

In addition to the previously entered data, The GUI 201 also shows another line segment with a start point 4, length 20.0 m, and direction 90.00.00 degrees, and a repeat factor of 1. As shown by the scale bar 206, the displayed entered data has been scaled in order to fit the display area 205.

The GUI 201 shows display control icons 231, 232, 233, and 234. Icon 231 may be used to zoom out in order to display the whole plan. Icon 232 may be used to zoom in on a selected point or the center of the display. Icon 233 may be used to zoom out from a selected point or the center of the display. Icon 234 may be used to zoom to a selected area.

FIG. 2C shows a GUI 202 that is a continuation of the plan entry of FIG. 2B. The GUI 202 shows another line segment being entered with a start point 5, length 20.0 m, and direction 0.00.00 degrees, and a repeat factor of 1.

FIG. 2D shows a GUI 203 that is associated with a nearly completed plan entry. In this example, a data entry error exists due to the failure of point 18 to coincide with point 1 and close the plan. In a method embodiment of the present invention, the entered plan may be edited and corrected by editing a single line segment.

FIG. 3A shows a GUI 301 that includes a menu 305 that is displayed by activating menu button 310. The menu provides for changing, inserting, and deleting a single line segment from the entered plan data. Within the handheld device the plan may be stored as a hierarchical sequence of segments. When a particular segment within the sequence is edited, the segments following the edited segment may also be affected.

FIG. 3B shows a GUI 302 with the line segment between points 8 and 9 selected for deletion. In selecting a line for deletion, the end point of the line may optionally be deleted. In the example of FIG. 3B end point deletion is selected. This will result in a modification of the line segments subsequent to the selected line segment.

FIG. 3C shows a GUI 303 with the selected line and end point 9 of FIG. 3B deleted. The line segments subsequent to the selected line segment have been identically translated to achieve coincidence between start point of the next segment in the sequence and the end point of the segment prior to the deleted segment.

The deletion of a line segment and its endpoint results in a hierarchical translation of line segments. The segments that precede a segment selected for edit in sequence are unaffected, whereas segments that follow the selected segment are translated. Similar to deleting a line segment, a start point may be selected for insertion of a line segment between existing segments. For example, insertion of a line segment could undo the effect of the previously described deletion by insertion of a line segment with a start point at point 7. The insertion of a line segment into the hierarchical sequence of line segments may thus shift succeeding line segments while leaving preceding line segments undisturbed.

FIG. 4A shows a GUI 400 for arc data entry. the GUI 400 for arc entry includes start point field 410, an end point field 415, a radius field 420, and an arc size field 425. In this example, the start point is point 11 and the end point is point 14. The radius of the arc is 30.0 ft and the arc size is short. Arc size may be designated as short (e.g., less than or equal to 180 degrees) or long (e.g., greater than 180 degrees).

FIG. 4B shows a GUI with data input fields for arc subdivision. A segment arc length field 430 is provided for entry of a subdivision length. A store center point check box 435 and center point display field is also provided. When the box 435 is checked, the center point is automatically generated. In this example, the segment arc length is 15 ft and the center point identification is point 19.

FIG. 4C shows GUI a 402 that displays the results of the execution of the arc subdivision parameters shown in FIG. 4B. The arc between point 11 and point 14 has been subdivided into segments having a maximum length of 15 ft. Also, the center point 19 has been added to the plan.

FIG. 5 shows a GUI 500 for text-based editing of line segments. The display area 505 includes a list of line segments. For example, the highlighted segment 510 has a start point 8, end point 9, direction 90.00.00, and length 15. Lines may be edited (by editing parameters), inserted and deleted using the GUI 500.

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the claims appended hereto and their equivalents. 

1. A system for entry and display of blueprint data comprising a handheld device, said handheld device further comprising: a graphical user interface for providing line segment data entry fields and for displaying input line segments; a processor and memory adapted for accepting, storing, and editing line segment data associated with said input line segments.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein said input line segments are stored as a hierarchical sequence, and wherein editing, insertion, or deletion of a selected line segment translates line segments that succeed the selected line segment of said hierarchical sequence without translating line segments that precede the selected line segment in said hierarchical sequence.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein said line segment data entry fields comprise a start point field, a direction field, and a length field.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein said display is a touchscreen.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein said a graphical user interface further provides arc data fields.
 6. The system of claim 5, wherein said arc data fields comprise a start point field, an end point field, and a radius field.
 7. The system of claim 1, further comprising a keypad.
 8. A method for entering blueprint data into a handheld device comprising: entering a start point for a first line segment; entering a length for said first line segment; entering a direction for said first line segment; and entering and displaying said line segment on a display associated with said handheld device.
 9. The method of claim 8, further comprising entering a repeat factor for said line segment.
 10. The method of claim 8, further comprising: entering a start point for an arc; entering an end point for said arc; entering a radius for said arc; and displaying said arc on said display.
 11. The method of claim 8, further comprising: entering a start point for a second line segment, wherein said start point of said second line segment is an end point of said first line segment; and entering and displaying said second line segment on said display.
 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising: entering a start point for a third line segment, wherein said start point of said third line segment is an end point of said first line segment; and translating said second line segment so that the start point of said second line segment coincides with an end point of said third line segment.
 13. The method of claim 11, further comprising: entering a start point for a third line segment, wherein said start point of said third line segment is an end point of said second line segment; and entering and displaying said third line segment on said display.
 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising: storing said first, second, and third line segments as a hierarchical sequence, and wherein editing or deletion of said second line segment automatically translates said third line segment without translating said first line segment.
 15. A computer-readable medium comprising computer-executable instructions stored therein for performing a method of entering blueprint data into a handheld device, said method comprising: entering a start point for a first line segment; entering a length for said first line segment; entering a direction for said first line segment; and entering and displaying said line segment on a display associated with said handheld device.
 16. The computer readable medium of claim 15, wherein said method further comprises: entering a start point for an arc; entering an end point for said arc; entering a radius for said arc; and displaying said arc on said display.
 17. The computer readable medium of claim 15, wherein said method further comprises: entering a start point for a second line segment, wherein said start point of said second line segment is an end point of said first line segment; and entering and displaying said second line segment on said display.
 18. The computer readable medium of claim 17, wherein said method further comprises: entering a start point for a third line segment, wherein said start point of said third line segment is an end point of said first line segment; and translating said second line segment so that the start point of said second line segment coincides with an end point of said third line segment.
 19. The computer readable medium of claim 17, wherein said method further comprises: entering a start point for a third line segment, wherein said start point of said third line segment is an end point of said second line segment; and entering and displaying said third line segment on said display.
 20. The computer readable medium of claim 19, wherein said method further comprises: storing said first, second, and third line segments as a hierarchical sequence, and wherein editing or deletion of said second line segment automatically translates said third line segment without translating said first line segment. 